This image of crescent-shaped Lake Balkhash in eastern Kazakhstan, north of the Tian-Shan Mountains was taken by MODIS. The Ili River flows into the western end of the lake, filling it with bright sediment. This sediment highlights the difference between the freshwater western side of the lake and the saline eastern side. A sandbar prevents mixing between the lakes two sections. Source: Jacques Descloitres, MODIS Land Rapid Response Team